PLO funds for Puma Naval
In 2001, the Romanian Military Research Agency (ACTTM) demonstrated an aviation version of the SIN-100 sonar at the EXPO Mil international specialized exhibition (Bucharest, Romania).
Judging by the comments, the alteration of the Romanian locator for the needs of carrier-based aviation did not cause enthusiasm.
At the same exhibition, ACTTM showed a prototype of a “lansator de grenade anti-submarine” (anti-submarine) launcher. The launchers were mounted on the external hardpoints of aircraft and were designed to use ammunition that had already been produced at the TOHAN S. A. mechanical plant (Brasov, Romania). It was about BAE-1 depth charges of 45 kg caliber, of which the weight of the explosive was 25 kg. The declared sinking speed of depth charges BAE-1 is about 2.1 m / s.
I believe that the use of depth charges of up to 50 kg caliber is effective at shallow depths: to protect external roadsteads and coastal waters, as well as border rivers. They are good for arming patrol boats, for example, "Type 80" of the Swedish Navy or ships of the Danube Flotilla of the Romanian Navy. But for anti-submarine operations on the high seas, these bombs, to put it mildly, are ineffective.
In 2007, at the EXPO Mil exhibition, the Romanian TOHAN S. A. plant demonstrated at its stand a launcher for light airborne anti-submarine torpedoes manufactured by Portsmouth Aviation Ltd.
It is not clear whether the Romanians were going to produce them under license, or whether it was a question of acquiring a batch of such PUs.
The Romanian author from whom I borrowed this information (George GMT) writes that he still has not been able to find out whether at least one of the above samples was adopted or not.
The same author also posted photos of other Romanian depth charges made by the TOHAN S. A. plant. Apparently, to expand the range of knowledge, since they are unlikely to be related to helicopter topics.
Puma SOCAT
In the early 90s, the Romanian enterprise IAR, together with the Israeli company Elbit Systems, began drawing up a plan for the modernization of the helicopter fleet of the Romanian Armed Forces (the Puma-2000 project). The goal of the program was to create a modern attack helicopter designed primarily to combat enemy armored vehicles. From 1999 to 2005, 25 vehicles underwent modernization, and they were delivered to the aircraft under the designation IAR 330 Puma SOCAT. This cost the Romanian treasury 150 million euros.
SOCAT (Sistem Optronic de Cercetare și Anti-Tanc).
Sistem Optronic (rum.) = Optical-electronic system.
Cercetare (rum.) = Observation, reconnaissance.
Anti-Tanc (rum.) For fighting tanks.
That is, this is a version of the helicopter, which is equipped with an optoelectronic system for reconnaissance, as well as search and destruction of tanks on the battlefield.
Armament Puma SOCAT (tank destroyers):
Rocket:
32x NAR S-5K or S-5M in 2 suspended blocks on pylons;
8x ATGM Spike-ER from Rafael in 2x suspended blocks on pylons;
Cannon:
1x 20 mm M621 cannon (GIAT / Nexter) on the bow turret THL 20.
The helicopter was also tested, equipped with the same M621 cannons, but in overhead containers (NC 621). However, preference was given to the cannon on the bow turret.
Puma Naval second generation
In 2008, IAR received an order to adapt 3 Puma SOCAT vehicles to the needs of the Romanian fleet. They were supposed to replace the previous generation Puma Naval helicopters on the decks of the Marasesti, Regele Ferdinand and Regina Maria frigates. In March 2009, the Romanian Navy received a new generation of Puma Naval helicopters. This became possible thanks to cooperation not only with Elbit Systems Ltd., but also with other manufacturers: Turbomecanica, Aerostar, Aeroteh, Aerofina, Airbus Helicopters, Rafael, Breeze Eastern, Rockwell-Collins, Terma AS, Thales Underwater Systems, CCIZ, Condor.
Puma Naval of the 2nd generation retained the Elbit IR surveillance and sighting system installed on the Puma SOCAT and, finally, in 2011, received the Telephonics RDR-1500B airborne radar.
Puma Naval hulls have undergone anti-corrosion treatment, and the machines themselves have received richer equipment.
Here is a partial list:
- all-round radar;
- laser warning system;
- electronic warfare system;
- automatic vessel identification system;
- equipment for detecting emergency beacons;
- electromechanical system of folding rotor blades;
- outboard fuel tank;
- lock (harpoon), locking the helicopter on the deck of the ship;
- 2 landing and search lights;
- energy-absorbing pilot seats;
- rescue winch;
- flight suits with thermal insulation and life jackets for the crew.
Armament "Puma Naval"
Adapted deck Cougars lost their missile, cannon and small arms. The issue with the use of 45 kg depth charges by helicopters remained unsolved. And what in return?
A plan for the modernization of carrier-based helicopters was drawn up and approved. It included the installation of various weapons, systems and equipment. The implementation of the plan was divided into several stages.
Stage E1 implemented in the period 2005-2008. The certification of the aircraft in the approved configuration was carried out in May 2007, the delivery of the upgraded helicopters was completed in December 2008.
Stage E2A: in the period 2008-2011 Certification - in June 2011, delivery of machines in November 2011.
Stage 2B: 2012-2015 (split into 2 substeps 2B-1 and 2B-2). Certification of both substages in September 2014, delivery of machines (2B-1) October-January 2014 and 2B-2 September-December 2015.
On December 17, 2015, the Romanian Navy received another Puma Naval version 2B-2. And now the 57th Tuzla helicopter group has 4 aircraft. This concludes the "Puma Naval" plan to develop carrier-based helicopters for the Romanian Navy.
After the finalization of stage 2B-2, the Puma Naval helicopters were supposed to become truly multipurpose. Especially for the NATO operation Atlanta, one of the helicopters received pivot (swivel) installations in the doorway for mounting 7, 62/12, 7-mm machine guns.
After Operation Atlanta, options were proposed for arming the Puma Naval 12 helicopters, the Browning M2 7-mm machine gun, and even the M134 Minigun six-barreled rapid-fire machine gun. The Romanians abandoned Browning, and at the end of 2012, a 6-barreled Minigun was adopted: 7, 62-mm machine gun GAU-17 (M134D Minigun) from Dillon Aero.
But, apparently, the matter did not go further than exhibition demonstrations and practice firing. This is understandable, because, according to the author of the article in romanialibera.ro, the state spent 500 thousand euros on the upgrade of one anti-piracy helicopter (installation of an optoelectronic surveillance system and DShKM).
After the exhibition, the Minigun was dismantled from the helicopter, the buoys were taken away and he flew to the base for another upgrade: they will mount launchers for StingRay torpedoes. On August 09, 2013, the Romanian Ministry of National Defense (MApN) announced a tender for the purchase of 18 light torpedoes. 55 million lei (USD 16, 5-17 million) were allocated from the budget.
While the tender was underway, users on Romanian forums wondered whether they were buying torpedoes either for frigates or for deck helicopters. And they compared the merits of light torpedoes. Who will be preferred: either the British Stingray, or the American MU-90 (replacing the Mark 46)?
Finally, everything became clear: they bought Sting Ray from the British. It was rumored that the torpedoes were not new. It seems like they were taken out of service by the British, underwent restoration work and then sold to Romania.
The power plant of the Puma helicopters
The power plant of Puma helicopters consists of two Turmo IV-CA gas turbine engines (GTE) with a capacity of 1588 hp. each. They have been manufactured in Romania since the mid-70s under license from the French company Turbomeca. Kerosene is used as fuel.
Mr Puma Naval
Deck helicopters of the Romanian Navy are based at the Tuzla airfield, near the port of Constanta. This unit is called the “57th Tuzla Helicopter Group” (Grupul 57 Elicoptere Tuzla). Since the formation of the group (2005) for 10 years, Commander Tudorel Duce has been its permanent commander. This officer made his first flight 34 years ago, while studying at the military college "Dimitrie Cantemir" (Brasov, Romania).
Two decades of service in the Romanian Air Force followed, during which he improved his professional skills.
1984 year: Graduated from the Aurel Vlaicu Military Aviation School of Pilots (Buzau, Romania). Awarded the rank of lieutenant, mastered the profession of "military pilot-pilot of a helicopter."
1995 year: graduated from the Military Technical Academy (Bucharest, Romania). Received a bachelor's degree.
2002 year: graduated from the Joint Military College (Paris, France). Received a master's degree.
2003 year: transferred to service in the Romanian Naval Forces. During the year he undergoes training at the French Institute for Flight Safety (Paris, France). Upon completion of the course, he received a diploma “Flight Safety Officer”.
In November 2005, the Aviation Control Center was established at the General Staff of the Romanian Naval Forces. Commander Tudorel Duce * was appointed Chief of the Aviation Control Center (and the commander of the helicopter group). His rank corresponds to the rank of captain of the 2nd rank (Navy) or lieutenant colonel of the ground forces. Already in December, the first group of 8 naval officers became cadets of the flight school “Aurel Vlaicu” (Şcoala de Aplicaţie pentru Forţele Aeriene “Aurel Vlaicu”). The commander himself, then a young lieutenant, graduated from this school 21 years ago.
Commander Duce is rightfully considered the founder of the Romanian naval aviation. For his enormous contribution to the creation, development and upholding of the interests of the naval aviation, he was given the nickname "Puma Naval Man" (Omul "Puma Naval").
Do not consider it pathos, but for the Romanian naval aviation this man is comparable to Vasily Filippovich Margelov.
The commander personally took part in almost all exercises and campaigns. For example, in the international operation "Atlanta" to combat Somali pirates. The Romanian Navy sent the frigate Regele Ferdinand to the operation with a deck helicopter on board. The car was piloted by Commander Duce.
The exercises of the 2nd NATO grouping of ships in the Black Sea in March 2015 (Standing NATO Maritime Group 2) also did not go without the participation of Mr. Duce. Romanian Defense Minister Mircea Dusa was brought aboard the frigate “Regina Maria” by the vehicle under the command of the commander. That morning a strong wind was blowing, the sea was restless, the wave height reached 3 meters, but the helicopter with the minister made a successful landing.
Tudorel Duce is fluent in French and English and thanks to this he received excellent training not only in Romania, but also abroad. For his impeccable service and professionalism, Commander Duce was awarded the highest government awards, including the Orders of Merit / Valor of various degrees.
year 2009: Cavalier's degree of the Order of Merit of the Sea (Ordinul Virtutea Maritimă în grad de Cavaler).
year 2013: officer's degree of the Order of Merit of the Sea (Ordinul Virtutea Maritimă în grad de Ofiţer).
year 2014: Cavalier degree of the Order of Military Merit (Ordinul Virtutea Militară în grad de Cavaler).
It is noteworthy that in 2013, the officer's degree of the order was awarded to other senior officers, including the Chief of the General Staff of the Romanian Navy, Rear Admiral Alexandru Mîrşu. During his long service, Tudorel Duce has accumulated about 3000 hours of flight experience, and in the spring of 2015 he retired on a well-deserved retirement.
The last flight of the commander
On April 22, 2015, Commander Duce made his last flight as a military pilot. The father of the Romanian naval aviation and the commander of the helicopter group lifted the car from the Tuzla airfield at his native military base near Constanta. Everything started as usual: pre-flight medical control, then a briefing and receipt of flight documentation. It was cloudy and rainy that day, but sometimes the sun shone through the clouds. The weather was calm, but for a short time the pilot found himself in a zone of turbulence. As Commander Duce said after landing, the change in weather during the flight is a summary of his entire life, which he spent in the air. These are the moments that any pilot encounters during his long career. The future military pensioner flew around the airfield and port of Mangalia: in a word, everything that has become close and dear in a decade. During the flight and until the landing, the commander's helicopter was accompanied by a pair of light-engine Diamond DA20. A kind of honor guard or motorcade as a sign of respect for a worthy commander and person.
Many of his colleagues lined up to greet the pilot on the airfield. Even the chief of the main headquarters of the Romanian Navy and a friend of the pilot, Rear Admiral Alexander Myrshu, was present. In the hangar, colleagues organized a small farewell ceremony. After a short speech, the already former commander of the helicopter group with the words "I transfer control to good hands" handed the helicopter control stick (joystick) to his successor. The founder of the Navy's air force has retired, but the Puma Naval project will continue to develop after his retirement.
Commander's final flight as a military pilot.
Below I tried to compile a comparative table of several deck helicopters. The comparison involves: IAR 330 Puma Naval (deck modification of IAR 330 Puma) of the Romanian Navy.; SH-32 Cougar (deck modification of Super Puma AS-532SC) of the Chilean Navy; Lynx HAS.3 (HAS = Helicopter, Anti-Submarine) of the Royal British Navy.
Curious facts
The Italian Aerospatiale, after several mergers, became part of Eurocopter, then Aérospatiale-Matra and finally Airbus Helicopters.
The Westland Lynx helicopters are a joint development of the British company Westland and the French company Aérospatiale.
The English Westland (Westland) was also absorbed several times and first became part of AgustaWestland, then Finmeccanica, and since April 28, 2016 Leonardo-Finmeccanica.
The French Turbomeca is part of the Safran group. Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Limited (RRTM) was incorporated in 1968.
The Anglo-French joint venture was created to develop the Adour theater for the SEPECAT Jaguar fighter. The joint venture has developed and produces two types of aircraft engines: turbofan (turbojet engine) Adur and gas turbine (GTE) RTM322. In 2001, Rolls-Royce Turbomeca was awarded a $ 1 billion contract to equip 399 German, French and Dutch Eurocopter NHI NH90 helicopters with RTM322 engines. As of 2012, Turbomeca supplies engines for installation on civil and military helicopters not only from Eurocopter, but also from other leading manufacturers: AgustaWestland, Sikorsky, HAL, NHI.
In 2013, negotiations were underway with Russia for the installation of Turbomeca Ardiden 3G engines on the Ka-62 and Arrius 2G1 on the Ka-226T.
On the Romanian website rumaniamilitary.ro, someone expressed the opinion that, apparently, the IAR 330 PUMA Naval is the swan song of the Romanian helicopter industry. But many are convinced that IAR has a future. Indeed, there is room to move: it is possible to organize the production of new engine models instead of the development of 40 years ago.
Firstly, these engines can replace the outdated ones on helicopters of the Romanian Air Force and Navy (about 40 units).
Secondly, about 60 helicopters were exported to the following countries: Republic of Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Congo, Kenya, Lebanon, UAE, Pakistan, Sudan, South Africa. Perhaps these countries will also want to get new engines for their cars.
Even Great Britain bought 6 helicopters from South Africa for spare parts for the needs of the Royal Air Force. That is, the British have a number of similar helicopters.
In total, more than 170 helicopters of the IAR 330 Puma brand have been produced, and many are in need of spare parts or modernization. And IAR 316 Alouette was produced about 130 machines for which components are needed. In addition, the manufacturer offers a civilian modification IAR 330 Puma VIP in the VVIP configuration for comfortable accommodation of 12 VIPs.
Yes, the Romanian aircraft industry is not in the best condition. And the proof of this is the fact that since 2000 the IAR enterprise has been divided into 3 companies:
IAR Ghimbav - production and repair of helicopters.
Construcţii Aeronautice - aircraft production and repair.
Top Therm - production of PVC windows and doors.
In short, they spin and survive as best they can. But, as they say, wait and see.
Below I post interesting videos with the participation of the Puma deck helicopter.
The author thanks Bongo for the advice.
THE END.
